Summer's hottest sequels

Epic endings and terrific tales hit the box office this summer

May 16, 2011|By Audreyanna Loguerre, Liberty High School

As the last weeks of school evaporate into the summer heat, beaches, day trips and camps will call students away from textbooks and classrooms to the days of relaxation. However, if the heat is unbearable, take refuge at the movie theater to see this summer's most anticipated sequels. Starting May 20 with the fourth of the Pirates of the Caribbean series, a barrage of sure-to-be blockbusters hit theaters including The Hangover 2, Transformers: Dark Side of the Moon and Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part II. Varsity Life took a look at each of the big-budget films and asked Central Florida students which cinematic escape they can't wait to leave the sun and sand to see.

Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides

Release Date: May 20

The iconic Captain Jack Sparrow is on another quest, and this time he's searching for the Fountain of Youth. After the success of the first three movies, Disney couldn't displease fans and end Jack Sparrow's daredevil way of life. The fourth film is in 3D, and fans should be prepared to see new faces . Yet again, along his journey Jack is sent off trail by mermaids, cutthroats, zombies and Blackbeard's daughter Angelica, played by Penelope Cruz. Jack undoubtedly has his hands full in this upcoming film, but maybe his wit and unruly behavior will save him from destruction.

Hangover 2

Release Date: May 26

Massive headaches and the bamboozled memory of the night before could never be funnier thanks to the Hangover. The comical and entertaining film definitely deserved a sequel. When friends Doug, Stu and Alan get together, their inebriate night and crazy antics to recover from their hangover keeps the laughs coming. After the mishaps in Las Vegas , Stu doesn't want similar events screwing up his special day in Thailand. The trio can't resist the temptation to drink before an important soiree, landing them in Bangkok without Stu's future brother-in-lawThe three guys, along with their monkey, try to keep the chaos to a minimum while they fix everything before the wedding.

Transformers: Dark of the Moon

Release Date: July 1

Sam Witwicky and the Autobots in the Transformer film trilogy are back to save the universe. The first two films intrigued fans with action, life-like effects and enough suspense to keep them at the edge of their seats, and the third film is no different. In the 3D film, Sam and the Autobots are once again at war with the Decpeticons. The film traces back to the U.S.'s first successful trip to the moon in 1969. The Autobots and the Decepticons learn of a Cybertronian spacecraft hidden on the Moon, and in attempts to reach it they become involved in a risky space race between the U.S. and Russia.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part II

Release Date: July 15

The Harry Potter film series has finally approached its final credits. For the past six months fans have eagerly anticipated how director David Yates will piece together J.K. Rowling's final book. For the last ten years, fans have been engaged and emotionally fixed in Harry's adventurous life. In the eighth film, Harry, Ron and Hermione attempt to defeat Lord Voldemort by continuing their search for the other Horcruxes. Without the help of Professor Dumbledore, Harry must endure the perilous battle against Voldemort with the skills he trained for at Hogwarts.

Varsity Life asked Central Florida students which epic sequel they can't wait to see…

"I'm excited to see Transformers 3 because the first two movies were beast mode. I'm expecting a lot of action and great special effects because these movies are known for that. I also want to see how they tie this one into real history like the last two."

— Corey Straughter, Liberty High School

"I can't wait to see the Hangover 2. I saw the first movie and it was hilarious. I expect the second movie to be twice as funny and to have me laughing until the ending credits."

— Angelique Daubon, Poinciana High School

"Transformers: Dark of the Moon seems like an awesome movie to see this summer. I haven't seen the other movies but this one looks suspenseful and mysterious."

— Jennelle Issacs, New Dimensions High School

"I'm definitely mostly excited to see the Hangover 2 because the first one had me in tears from laughter. The other movies look really good as well. I have seen all of the movies before their sequels, and they were all good too but the Hangover just sticks out the most. This will be an amauzing end to my senior year with all these movies coming out."

— Dara Dampier, Osceola High School

"I can't wait for the final installment[of Harry Potter]; this series defines my generation. We have essentially grown up with it, and it's sad to see it end."